For most women, makeup is a part of our daily routine. Research has shown that 44% of women never leave their house without makeup on – yes, even just to go to the supermarket across the street. Makeup has become so normalized in our culture that we marvel when we see someone not wearing it. But what makes cosmetics so tantalizing to wear?

Recent psychological research has shown several psychological reasons why women choose to wear makeup. The main reason is that they feel it underlines their naturally beautiful parts – like their eyes, their lips, or the contours of their face. Additionally, cosmetics can also be easily used as camouflage, to help us hide the features of our bodies we don’t like – such as scars or acne. Finally, makeup can be used because women believe men find it attractive. However, some women make the decision to never wear cosmetics in their lives. The question is, does that mean they’re healthier?

You may be surprised to learn that not wearing cosmetics does actually have noticeable effects on your body. If you’re curious, here are the most common things that women experience once they stop wearing the makeup that has become their second skin.

HERE ARE 10 THINGS THAT HAPPEN WHEN YOU STOP WEARING MAKEUP

“As cheesy as it sounds, nothing beats a smile and a bit of confidence! As long as you feel good on the inside, you can still look beautiful without any makeup at all.” – Zoe Sugg

1. YOUR EYES DON’T INFECT AS EASILY

This is particularly important for people wearing contacts. Pink eye or conjunctivitis is most commonly spread by using and reusing other people’s eye makeup, so think twice before sharing your mascara with a friend! Additionally, eye infections are very common with people who apply their contacts with the same hands they’ve used to put cosmetics on their face. Once you stop wearing makeup altogether, you’ll notice your eyes are much more resilient to infections.

2. YOU DON’T BREAK OUT AS MUCH

While we love cosmetics for hiding our breakouts, it might actually be partially causing the problem. Makeup has a lot of toxins that can block up your pores and cause dirt to accumulate inside of them, especially if you don’t remember to wash your face every night. Furthermore, makeup brushes are one of the main culprits for breakouts. So, deal with one last breakout and resist putting any cover-up on it – and you’ll notice your face clear significantly.

3. YOU HAVE SMALLER PORES

Again, this may be surprising considering that makeup helps your pores looks smaller. However, it’s all about what’s going on underneath. If you use a lot of makeup, it’s very easy for your pores to get clogged and then infected and filled, making them look large. When you stop wearing cosmetics, you’ll see your pores reducing in size because they’re no longer be filled with the ingredients of your foundation or bronzer.

4. YOUR FACE SLOWS ITS AGING

Dermatologists are unanimous in the fact that using more makeup in your day-to-day life actually accelerates aging. In fact, the more you use cosmetics to try and cover imperfections, the more light you shine on them because, no matter how much you clean it, it always settles in your wrinkles and makes them look even more on show. Stop using these products and you’ll definitely see the difference!

5. YOU HAVE MORE HYDRATED SKIN

One of the aftereffects of makeup is that its residue stops new skin from forming while you sleep, which means your old skin tends to peel and scab, leading to dry patches and dry skin. The toxins in cosmetics hinder the skin renewal process. When you stop using it, you will feel your skin being naturally more vibrant and hydrated!

6. YOU GET MORE SLEEP

Have you noticed just how much time of your day your beauty routine can take – usually between 20 to 30 minutes? Well, imagine having those minutes to get more sleep! Extra sleep makes your skin look healthier. Additionally, it keeps you energized and happy during the day. That’s one benefit you might not have foreseen from stopping your makeup routine!

7. YOU IMPROVE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

Without makeup to cover up your blemishes, you will realize just how important healthy and clean skin is to your life. You will most likely invest in a nice toner, cleanser, and moisturizer or start doing more natural masks. Gradually, your skin will gain a natural shine – and you’ll find you never needed cosmetics in the first place!

8. YOU GAIN CONFIDENCE AND SELF-LOVE

This is a very personal thing and it’s not guaranteed for everyone. But it might help to know that even beauty writers whose life revolved around makeup found that they gained confidence once they started going makeup free. They could look in the mirror and see their natural beauty for what it is, not covered by layers of foundation. Of course, others find confidence in wearing cosmetics and that’s completely okay. Do what keeps you thinking positive and happy.

9. YOU HAVE LESS ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Sulfates, parabens, and metals are very often found in makeup, skincare products, and hair products. They cause many problems, the most common of which is infections. Many people who get rashes or other unpleasant reactions from using cosmetics often have to eliminate products one by one. If you can’t find the culprit, going makeup free might be the solution you’re looking for. It will definitely help your skin breathe better in the long run.

10. YOU’RE LESS PROTECTED IN THE SUN

Keeping it real here, one of the uncommon benefits of makeup, especially some foundations, is that they have an SPF factor. This means they protect you from the harmful UV lights of the sun. Therefore, dermatologists agree that going makeup-free may increase the likelihood of sun damage. They also stress the importance of always wearing an appropriate SPF factor to save yourself from nasty sunburns. In other words, don’t just rely on foundation.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Many women who have tried going makeup free have found it an extremely positive and rewarding experience. Why not try it and see if it works for you? You will see the benefits to your skin, confidence, and general health straight away.